Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and his colleagues today welcomed returning Assemblyman Tom Kirwan (R,C,I-Newburgh) back into their fold at a public swearing-in ceremony at the New York State Capitol in Albany. The Hon. Catherine Bartlett, Court of Claims Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice, presided over the event. Kirwan’s wife, Verna, held the Bible as the Assemblyman took his oath of office.

Kirwan, a lifelong resident of the City of Newburgh, represents the 100th Assembly District, which is comprised of the Town and City of Newburgh in Orange County, the cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, and the Ulster County towns of Marlboro, Lloyd and Shawangunk.

“I am happy to welcome my good friend, Tom Kirwan, back to Albany today,” Kolb said. “Tom has always been known as a true reformer and man of the people. No matter what the issue – whether he’s fighting to keep violent criminals off our streets, working to pass a responsible, on-time budget, or advocating for reform of government dysfunction – we can always count on Tom’s honesty, integrity and intelligence. We are truly blessed to have him on our team once again.”

Prior to his political career, Kirwan served for 28 years as a New York State Trooper, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He spent his last four years with the State Police in Manhattan, as part of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, where he investigated mid- to upper-level drug dealers in New York City.

“It’s great to be back,” Kirwan said. “I’d like to thank Leader Kolb, the entire Assembly Minority Conference, for their continued friendship and support, and – most importantly – my wife, Verna, for a lifetime of love and encouragement. I always enjoyed my time in Albany, and it will be fun to be working with the Governor who’s practicing what this Conference has been preaching for two decades. And last, but not least, I’d like to thank Judge Katie Bartlett for taking time out of her busy schedule to perform this ceremony.”

During his 14 years in Albany, Kirwan was well known for his outgoing personality, keen intellect and passion for public service. He fought tirelessly for measures such as the School TAx Relief Program (STAR); the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2000; and legislation requiring civil confinement of violent sexual predators, all of which became law.

Additionally, the Assemblyman authored bills that would replace the school property tax to help senior citizens, farmers, young families and others who need relief the most; require New York’s elected officials to list and identify any sources of outside income earned in excess of $100; and allow recall elections in New York State.